Be a Dentist

Tomorrow's dentists -- yes that can be YOU -- will be on the cutting edge of technology, using lasers and computer-assisted diagnosis, making the practice of dentistry more challenging and rewarding. If you're a high school or college student it's time to start planning for your career in dentistry.

Ten Great Reasons to Be a Dentist

Service to Others: Help people maintain and improve their oral health, quality of life and appearance

Balanced Lifestyle: Dentistry offers flexibility to balance professional and personal life

Empower Your Patients: Give patients smiles they are proud to wear

Technology and Research: Be involved with the scientific advancement of dentistry

Why Choose Dentistry?

Ms. Natalia Sanchez
Graduate,
University of Connecticut
School of Dental Medicine

"I love that I'll be able to get to know my patients and make time to pursue other interests...Dentistry offers flexible hours, combines art and science and allows you to work solo or with partners."

There are many compelling reasons to choose dentistry as a career. For example, dentistry offers an opportunity to make a difference in your patient's health and well being. It's a career that allows you a chance to be your own boss and own a dental practice. New exciting scientific breakthroughs in gene therapy and biotechnology offer dentist an opportunity to preserve their patient's smiles and self esteem. The Dentistry Careers brochure available in English (PDF) and Spanish (PDF) provides insight into why dentistry can be a rewarding career choice for you.

Additionally, the Dentistry Fact Sheet (PDF) highlights what a career in dentistry can offer you by answering these types of questions:

What's unique about dentistry?

What does a dentist do?

How to prepare for a career in dentistry?

What career options are available?

For more information, watch the Dentistry Career Video below.

Need for Minority Dentists

There is a critical need in many underserved communities where minority and disadvantaged people are not getting the care they need. Only 12 percent of students entering dental school are minorities, while minorities make up 25 percent of the general population. Recent data shows that minority dentists treat a very high number of minority patients.

More underrepresented minority dentists (African American, Hispanic and American Indian) are necessary to eliminate the barriers to oral care. This need is expected to increase as statistics indicate that 58 percent of the population will be comprised of underrepresented groups by the year 2050.

Meeting the challenge to eliminate barriers to oral care, dental students and professionals are excited about career opportunities in dentistry. The new dentistry brochure below highlights the range of dental careers and how diverse dental professionals contribute to providing access to oral care in various communities.